October 1: Makinde Calls for Unity

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to uphold unity and draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the country’s founding heroes as the nation marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

Makinde made the call on Thursday at the Independence Day celebration held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the governor said Nigeria’s independence in 1960 was achieved through the sacrifices and struggles of the country’s founding fathers.

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In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, Makinde said the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today were built on the efforts of those who fought for independence and should encourage citizens to take greater responsibility for nation-building.

He said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing Nigeria and Oyo State, while also recognising that independence had given Nigerians the opportunity to govern themselves under democratic principles and the rule of law.

Makinde stressed that national unity remained essential to Nigeria’s progress, saying the country’s more than 250 ethnic groups should view their diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.

He urged Nigerians to remain united despite their ethnic and religious differences and work collectively towards addressing the country’s challenges.

Speaking on the theme, “Dealing Decisively with Insecurity, Banditry and Terrorism Through Community Participation, Awareness and Policing,” the governor said security required cooperation among citizens, communities and government institutions.

“We must appreciate our heroes past for what they did to achieve and attain independence in 1960. Independence was earned through their sacrifices and countless struggles. The freedom we enjoy today is a result of their labour.

“As we reflect on our nation’s journey since 1960, we must acknowledge the challenges we face in all ramifications. As a state, we also have our own challenges in Oyo State.

“This day calls for sober reflection on the issues confronting us at both the national and state levels. But we must also appreciate that independence teaches us, at both national and state levels, how to govern ourselves. And we cannot govern ourselves without upholding the rule of law and the tenets of democracy,” he stated.

Makinde also highlighted what he described as achievements recorded by his administration since 2019 across education, security, sports, business and infrastructure.

On security, he said the state had established the Amotekun Corps, which works with other security agencies to maintain peace across Oyo.

He added that his administration had expanded infrastructure development across the state’s five zones, including Oke-Ogun I and II, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa and Ibadan.

According to him, the projects included education facilities, road networks, the Light Up Oyo initiative and healthcare infrastructure.

“Since 2019, when this administration was elected, we have achieved feats and progress in all spheres of life: education, security, sports, business, and infrastructure.

“In terms of security, we have put in place a robust arrangement through the establishment of the Amotekun Corps, which works collaboratively with other security agencies to maintain peace in Oyo.

“On infrastructure, we have spread development across the five zones of Oyo State; Oke-Ogun 1 and 2, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa, and Ibadan. People attest to the fact that this administration has done a yeoman’s job in expanding infrastructure: education facilities, road networks, Light Up Oyo State, hospitals, and more,” he said.

Makinde thanked residents for their cooperation and support, which he said had contributed to the implementation of the administration’s programmes.